2010: THE BEST HORROR FILMS

             Or, more precisely, the films which did not entirely & completely suck.

            The past year was a largely disappointing one, for all the usual reasons: American horor mostly defined by recycled ideas, sequels, remakes, unimaginative 'reimaginings' or, at best, misguided, lukewarm, forgettable flicks. On the other hand, international horror was mostly uninspired, plagued by a similar misdirection and memorable punches. There was some decent, moderately entertaining stuff but, other than A SERBIAN FILM, nothing really memorable – nothing that will be talked about in a year or two.

            So, here goes my list of the least terrible horrors I saw in 2010.

1. SRPSKI FILM (A SERBIAN FILM)

SER, 10

****  4

Because it has balls & knows how to use them.

2. I SAW THE DEVIL

KOR, 10

***(*) 3+

Because it's a very entertaining and vicious Grand Guignol.

3. TETSUO THE BULLET MAN

JAP, 09

***(*) 3+

Because of its manic energy and craziness.

4. AMER

BEL, 10

***    3+ 

Because it's fetishistic and doesn't give a flying fuck - like all good Giallo villains.

5. DREAM HOME

HK, 10

***    3+

Because it's unashamedly exploitative, entertaining and surprisingly clever.

6. THE REVENANT

USA, 10

***      3

Because it has an admirable balance of horror and humor.

7. HEARTLESS

UK, 10

***     3

Because it's brave, energetic, and one of a kind.

8. HIGANJIMA

JAP, 10

***      3

Because its has a big budget for a big loud story, and is fun to watch.

9. SOLOMON KANE

USA, 10

***      3

Because it entertains with some great visuals, without being stupid or cheap (mostly).

10. CABIN FEVER 2

USA, 09

**(*)  3-

Because it's unashamedly exploitative, entertaining and yucky - although somewhat spoilt by the silly ending.

The others:

11. PIRANHA 3D

USA, 10

***    3-

12. BLACK SWAN

USA, 10

**(*)  3-

13. THE CRAZIES

USA, 10

**(*)  3-

14. PHOBIA 2

THAI, 09

**(*) 3-

15. REC 2

SPA, 09

**(*)  3-

16. THE REEF

USA, 10

**(*)  3-

17. FROZEN

USA, 10

**(*)  3-

18. THE LOVED ONES

AUS, 10

**(*)  3-

19. ROAD KILL

AUS, 10

**(*)  3-

20. SPLICE

USA/CAN, 10

**(*)  3-

21. BURNING BRIGHT

USA, 10

**(*)  3-

22. THE HOLE

USA, 09

**(*)  3-

23. LET ME IN

USA, 10

**(*)  3-

24. IN THEIR SLEEP

FRA, 10

**(*) 3-

25. LA HORDE

FRA, 09

**(*)  3-

26. MUTANT GIRLS SQUAD

JAP, 10

**(*)  3-

27. BLOOD CREEK

USA, 09

**(*) 3-

28. CARRIERS

USA, 09

**(*)    3-

29. BLOOD RIVER

USA, 10

**(*)    3-

30. EMBODIMENT OF EVIL

BRA, 09

**(*)  3-

31. THE FORBIDDEN DOOR

INDON, 10

**(*)  3-